The next generation iPhone - likely to be called the iPhone 5 - is continuing to create a stir among Apple fans, as millions wait in growing anticipation over what new features will be included, and what the release date will be for the new device.

Apple is sticking to its standard and keeping 100 percent hush about the details of the release, however, as usual various "leaks" have been making there way out from close sources related to the device.

Apple's new iPhone will almost certainly have the iOS 6 featured, but further rumors are now touting that it will come with Facebook integration, new store designs, and that a new upgraded map service will be used; meaning Google Maps may be dropped as the standard on the phone.

Many fans will be interested in the Facebook integration feature, especially since just over recent weeks reports hit that indicated Facebook is having another attempt at launching its own smartphone. Reports claimed that the social networking giant had hired six former employees from Apple to work on the new smartphone that will seamlessly integrate Facebook into its interface, potentially changing the way users interact with their Facebook account and others.

However, the iPhone is still clearly considered the benchmark of smartphones to many, and it has an army of devout fans who wouldn't dare think of trading in their iPhones for anything less than the latest and upgraded version of the device.

The dropping of Google Maps as the standard map service on the iPhone will also surprise some, but many are anticipating this to mean Apple will launch a far superior map service, which has many iPhone fans licking their lips in anticipation. Rumors suggest 3D maps will be made available, which will use C3 technology that Apple acquired last year and is looking to utilize in its newest release.

Tags: iphone5 apple iPhone smartphone technology